The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has taken aim at the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of peddling what he describes as “hypocritical and tribalistic” arguments over local government appointments in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking to a large crowd in the Old Tafo constituency as part of the second phase of his Ashanti Regional “Thank You” tour, Asiedu Nketiah responded to recent claims by the NPP that the NDC government is sidelining local sensitivities by appointing individuals of Northern descent as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region.
The opposition argues that such decisions overlook the cultural and political dynamics of the Ashanti Region.
But the NDC Chairman, popularly known as “General Mosquito,” dismissed the criticism, describing it as a calculated attempt to stir ethnic division.
“The NPP must stop this double standard,” he told supporters.
“They say they believe in merit and hard work regardless of tribe, yet they complain when a qualified Ghanaian from the North is appointed to serve in the Ashanti Region.”
He also pointed to what he called a contradiction in the NPP’s position, noting that the party’s own flagbearer—who is from Northern Ghana—is seeking to lead the entire country.
“You cannot argue that a Northerner is unfit to head a district in Ashanti, while asking the same people to vote for your flagbearer to govern all of Ghana,” he said.
“You either believe in one Ghana where everyone can serve anywhere, or you are engaging in tribal politics because you have no message.”
Asiedu Nketiah stressed that the NDC’s approach to governance is grounded in inclusivity and national unity.
He said appointments under the party are based on competence and the ability to deliver results, not ethnic background.
He urged residents of Old Tafo and the wider Ashanti Region to reject divisive narratives and instead judge the government on its performance.
According to him, the “Thank You” tour is intended to express appreciation for the region’s support and to reaffirm the NDC’s commitment to equitable development across all sixteen regions.
The tour is expected to continue across the Ashanti Region, with engagements planned with traditional authorities, trade unions and party supporters as the NDC seeks to strengthen its presence in the area.